DoorDash utilizes a large network of independent contractors, known as Dashers, to fulfill delivery requests for restaurants and retailers within the gig economy. Before beginning to earn, interested parties must satisfy specific eligibility criteria established by the company. Understanding these requirements is the necessary first step for anyone considering this type of work, starting with the most basic question of age.
Minimum Age Requirement
The fundamental age requirement to become a Dasher is eighteen years old in most operating areas. This minimum is set because a person must be legally capable of entering into a binding contractual agreement, which is necessary for the independent contractor relationship. State and provincial regulations can occasionally override this rule, leading to variations; some states require applicants to be nineteen, and the minimum age is twenty-one in California for new applicants in certain markets.
The age requirement is not strictly about driving, as it primarily concerns the capacity to sign the Dasher agreement. Even where delivery by bicycle or on foot is an option, the contractual liability requirement keeps the minimum age set at eighteen or higher.
Legal and Documentation Requirements
Beyond the age threshold, the application process requires submitting specific documentation for identity verification and screening. A valid Social Security Number is mandatory for all United States-based Dashers, as this is used for tax reporting and the required background check. As independent contractors, Dashers receive a 1099 tax form detailing their earnings, making the Social Security Number a foundational element of the financial relationship.
All applicants must consent to and successfully pass a comprehensive screening process conducted by a third-party service. This background check typically examines an applicant’s criminal history and, if they plan to use a motor vehicle, their driving record. The review covers a specified look-back period, often seven years, and is necessary to maintain safety and liability standards. While a valid driver’s license is required for those delivering via car, a state-issued photo identification card may suffice for delivery methods like bicycling or walking.
Vehicle and Equipment Prerequisites
Dashers must secure their own means of transportation and the necessary mobile technology to perform deliveries. The platform is flexible regarding the mode of transport, allowing for cars, motorcycles, scooters, or bicycles, and even walking in select high-density areas. Regardless of the vehicle chosen, a compatible smartphone running either the iOS or Android operating system is necessary to download and actively use the Dasher app for order management, navigation, and communication.
A financial requirement involves insurance, especially for those using a motor vehicle. If a car, scooter, or motorcycle is used for deliveries, the Dasher must maintain valid personal auto insurance that meets the minimum legal requirements of their state. DoorDash does not provide primary commercial insurance coverage for its independent contractors. The Dasher’s personal policy is expected to cover any incidents, placing the liability and ongoing expense of vehicle operation and insurance directly on the individual Dasher.
Understanding Independent Contractor Status
A fundamental aspect of working for DoorDash is the classification of Dashers as independent contractors, or 1099 workers, rather than traditional W-2 employees. This status grants workers significant autonomy, allowing them to choose when, where, and how much they work. However, this freedom comes with substantial financial and legal responsibilities that differ significantly from those of an employee.
As self-employed individuals, Dashers are solely responsible for managing and paying their self-employment taxes, which includes Social Security and Medicare contributions. They also bear the burden of all business-related expenses, such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and smartphone data plans, which are not reimbursed by DoorDash. Dashers do not receive traditional employee benefits like employer-provided health insurance, paid time off, or unemployment coverage. New Dashers must diligently track all business mileage and expenses to claim potential tax deductions and minimize their taxable income.
The DoorDash Application Process
The journey to becoming an active Dasher begins with an online sign-up where the applicant provides basic personal information and selects their intended delivery method. The process then moves into the documentation and verification phase, where the applicant submits required identification and consents to the background check. The background screening typically represents the longest waiting period, which can take anywhere from a single day to over a week, depending on the volume and the complexity of the individual’s record.
Once the background check clears and all documents are verified, the applicant is officially approved and can access the Dasher app. In some cases, a new Dasher may receive an activation kit containing an insulated hot bag and a Red Card, which is used to pay for certain orders. The entire sign-up and activation process is designed to be relatively quick, allowing most new Dashers to begin accepting orders and earning within a few days of submitting their application.